A substantial recall of whole cucumbers affecting 14 states, including Maryland and Virginia, has been initiated due to potential salmonella contamination. Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has recalled cucumbers shipped from May 17 to May 21 following a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that a cucumber sample tested positive for the bacteria.
The cucumbers in question are dark green, with a diameter of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches and a length of 5 to 9 inches. They were shipped in bulk cartons to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states – including Georgia – recalled over salmonella concerns https://t.co/ivPqZqvR2V
— Atlanta News First (@ATLNewsFirst) June 3, 2024
Salmonella is a bacteria capable of causing serious and occasionally deadly infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to more critical conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Fresh Start Produce Sales has indicated that the recalled cucumbers are likely no longer in the marketplace. Nonetheless, they are advising anyone who still has the product to destroy and discard it or return it for a refund. The company is working with the FDA, which is performing whole genome sequencing to see if the cucumbers are related to any current salmonella outbreaks.
A Florida-based produce company recalled whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states over salmonella concerns. https://t.co/io8bNWoMb6
— First Coast News (@FCN2go) June 2, 2024
This recall underscores the persistent challenges in food safety and emphasizes the need for prompt action and clear communication from both corporations and regulatory authorities to mitigate health risks. Consumers are urged to adhere to recall directives and seek medical care if they show symptoms of a salmonella infection.
Major Points
- Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states between May 17 and May 21 due to potential salmonella contamination.
- The recall was triggered by a positive test for salmonella in a cucumber sample reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
- Affected cucumbers are dark green, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches long, distributed in bulk to retailers and distributors.
- The FDA is conducting genome sequencing to determine if these cucumbers are linked to any ongoing salmonella outbreaks.
- Consumers possessing these cucumbers are advised to either destroy and discard them or return them to the purchase location for a refund.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
